An overlook -Alpha Squak V2

Not quite two years ago, I looked at the unisex Squak Alpha UL.

I found a warm and light garment that fits into a niche use for how Joan and I use this type of garment.

I also found that, like many “unisex” garments, it did not fit well compared to more fitted clothes.

I am not as enamored with Alpha fleece for my hiking style. Wind shirts make me too warm, and the Alpha fleece, by itself, is too delicate for the hiking I often do on the Colorado Plateau.

Joan finds her Alpha fleece works best in the mountains in more open terrain and is for static use. If we did more traditional trails vs. backpacking, we do, and we might find more on overall use.

With all that background, I tried version two of Squak’s Alpha over the early winter months while backpacking in open environments, Big Bend National Park in particular.

In Big Bend NP

The boring stats – It’s made of 90 gsm Alpha fleece for 5.1oz / 145g Men’s Large; size up for a looser fit.

In more detail and what I wrote previously –

Alpha Fleece

However, a newer fleece-like fabric has become increasingly popular since its introduction in 2017 – Polartec Alpha Direct.

A successor to a similar design in 2012 for the US military, it’s a highly breathable, quick-drying, very low-bulk, and fast-wicking garment with an outstanding warmth-to-weight ratio. It is NOT wind resistant but works exceptionally well under a shell, whether a windshirt or a rain jacket.

Squak Mountain Alpha UL Fleece v1.0 next to their grid fleece hoodie.

The major downside of the fleece is its weave, which makes it prone to potential snagging and shedding material and would not work as a standalone garment in brushy or technical conditions. Alpha Direct has found a niche for on-trail and wide-open areas like alpine terrain.
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Alpha Direct fleeces come in four general “flavors” with various degrees of breathability, warmth, and durability rated in grams per square meter of fabric (GSM).
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This chart, initially available on Garage Gear in a different form, sums up the options well (notes and equivalent  use are mine, however)-
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Alpha Direct Types
GSM Type Weight for a medium, approx. Rough Traditional Fleece Equivalent Use Notes
190gsm 9.5 oz / 270g 300 wt Heaviest and most durable, less breathable
120gsm 8 oz / 227g 200 wt Comparable in weight to a grid fleece but warmer and more breathable
90gsm 5 oz / 156g 100 wt Not quite as warm as above, more breathable, somewhat less durable
60gsm 4 oz / 113g Heavy thermal top The lightest but also the least warm and wind resistant. Least durable.
What does all this mean?
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From a backpacker’s perspective, the 120gsm is an all-purpose layer. Its weight and warmth combination work well for different uses and could easily pass for more casual wear.
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If breathability and weight are more of a concern, the 90gsm type works well without sacrificing as much durability and warmth as the 60gsm for not much weight penalty. The look is more technical but not as “Muppet-looking” as the 60gsm and makes acceptable post-trip clothing in an outdoor town.
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Many people will pair the Alpha fleece with a wind shell for versatility and light bushwhacking, but you add more weight, add a futz factor, and reduce the breathability.
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I believe Alpha fleece works best as a layer not used for active hiking but for breaks, in camp, or at night while sleeping. In other words, it does not work as well for active use unless it is colder and the conditions aren’t brushy. For my use, it would get torn to shreds for most active Utah hiking during cold weather.
You can pair it with a windshirt for more abrasion and wind resistance, but add weight and mitigate the breathability aspects.
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A quick delve into history!
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Very little is new under the sun, of course.
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A high loft garment that works best for static use with a loose weave?
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From Smithsonian

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A descendant recently made a version of the above using 17,000 feathers (!)., which at first glance looks like Alpha fleece.
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How does version two stack up? And does it make you change your mind?

I find the v2 fits better with a less boxy fit. Otherwise, the same observations seem to hold from version 1.0 –

While others seem more enamored of it, I find it a niche use for my needs.

Just wearing it around town and not beating on it to see for its initial fit put some holes in it –

 

I can’t imagine using it while actively hiking, especially without a windshirt.  I am unsure of its longer-term viability to use year after year if I were to use it extensively

Paired with a thin microgrid fleece for active use and eschewing my puffy for moderate temperatures, I have a sub-12oz/340 g system that works well enough in camp or while sleeping.

As with Joan, I suspect my primary use will be for mountain use in the summer or similar.

Overall, I like the garment as a helpful tool, but I don’t think it’s the “end-all and be-all” clothing many people seem to make of it, especially for my use.

Disclosure – Squak provided a discount for my purchase.

I did sign up for an affiliate program where I’ll receive a small commission for any purchase you make with no additional cost. You can also use a coupon code to get 15% off your purchase.
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The Squak Alpha Fleece V2  -| MEN’S | WOMEN’SCoupon Code = PMAGS-SQUAK
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Joe S
Joe S
18 days ago

It’s worth mentioning that Alpha is really designed to be part of a layering system rather than a standalone piece. It works best when paired with something like a wind shell or rain jacket, which helps trap heat while still allowing the fabric to breathe.

It might be worth trying it out with a shell to see how it performs for you.

Joe S
Joe S
17 days ago
Reply to  Paul Mags

Yeah, that makes sense. I’ve found Alpha fleece to be an incredibly lightweight midlayer, particularly for cold-weather hiking or skiing. Its breathability and ability to manage moisture really shine in those conditions, especially when you’re working hard but need to avoid overheating.

I’m surprised to see people wearing it on its own.